Isaac Zipperstein
6649 N. Longmeadow Avenue
Lincolnwood, IL 60712 US
(312)792-5933
[email protected]
Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Consumer Economics, Financial Planning
• May
2025
Minor In Business
and Informatics
GPA:
3.64/4.00
Co-Owner • November 2021 - Present
Established an investment club LLC and an investment portfolio. Utilize weekly meetings to vote upon stock picks
and discuss investment strategy and market trends to ensure our fund’s stability, longevity, and
growth.
Collaborate with team members to conduct in-depth research and analysis, identifying
high-potential stock picks and making data-driven investments.
IT and Communications Manager • May 2020 - Present
Rebuilt our website, leveraging Google Ads to
significantly expand our online presence and attract
a broader customer base.
Developed and spearheaded the implementation of an inventory management system and scanner,
increasing the efficiency of
parts ordering, tracking, utilization, and billing.
Collaborate closely with industry
leaders,
including Tesla, Rivian, and Jaguar Land Rover, to ensure strict certification
compliance. Successfully completed both the Tesla and Rivian certified collision repair training
programs.
Effectively oversee the end-to-end repair process for over 50 Rivian vehicles, including check-in,
writing estimates, and invoicing
for over 200 vehicles, maintaining a strong partnership with Rivian through exceptional service and
swift repair solutions.
Refined a comprehensive plan for an efficient layout and workflow process for an additional
25,000-square-foot dedicated electric
vehicle repair facility.
Developer • August 2019 - Present
Developed and sold HTML, CSS, & Javascript widgets for jailbroken iOS
devices that
received over 3000
purchases.
Ensured customer satisfaction by continually soliciting feedback and
implementing features through consistent software updates.
Student Intern • August 2022 - May 2022
Oversee day-to-day operations within the building, including preparing meal setup for 150
students.
Maintain and monitor safety procedures for all users and religious practitioners of the building's
facilities.
Real Estate Assistant • March 2021 - March 2022
Optimized consumer impressions by creating and maintaining property listings, photographs, and
leasing documentation.
Guided customers smoothly through the application, approval, and lease signing processes by
answering all their questions.
Conducted in-person tours of houses and alternate rental properties and created 3D virtual tours
for prospective residents.
Senator • March 2023 - Present
Serve on the Urbana-Champaign Campus Senate made up of students and faculty and vote upon legislation to benefit the student body. Elected to the Committee on Committees where we nominate faculty and students to be voted on to fill senate committee vacancies.
Treasurer• August 2022 - Present
Organize fundraising benefits and attract new students by planning outreach and social events.
Draft and submit grant requests to foundations to secure competitive funding for
programming.
Representative • April 2022 - Present
Advocate for the student body by proposing and voting upon legislation to improve the school. Represent the student body of the College of Agriculture and Consumer Economics on the Committee on Operations.
Treasurer • April 2023 -
Present
Public Relations Chairman • April 2022 -
April 2023
Manage and grow the organization’s social media engagement and help plan, organize, and budget for advocacy and cultural events.
Vice Prior • November 2023 -
Present
Founding Father • November 2021 -
Present
Public Relations Chairman • November 2021 -
November 2023
Lead the internal operations of the fraternity including organizing and leading all commitees as
well as managing risk managment and procedures.
Coordinate with ΣAM nationals to reestablish the Rho Chapter by coordinating events,
recruitment,
and involvement. Maintain the fraternity’s social media presence. In 28 days, the Facebook reach
grew 300%, and the Instagram reach grew 284%. Develop innovative solutions such as the Purple Pass, a digital Apple Wallet compatible, event ticket.
Participant • October 2023 - December 2023
Member • September 2023 - Present
Real Estate Fraternity • August 2022 - Present
Consultant • January 2022 - December 2022
I am a well-rounded individual with a strong combination of technical and business skills. My background in web development and design has given me a solid understanding of user-experience and how to create visually appealing websites and web applications. Additionally, I have a strong understanding of business principles, marketing and project management. My ability to understand the connection between the technical and business aspect of a project makes me a valuable asset for any organization. I am a quick learner, and I am always eager to take on new challenges to further develop my skills.
Engaging in collaborative work has been a cornerstone of my academic and personal endeavors. My journey
in coding began through connections established on Twitter, where I immersed myself in the innovative
projects of like-minded individuals from across the world. This initial interaction blossomed into
numerous collaborative projects, fostering connections that continue to thrive.
Within my academic sphere, I actively participate in leadership roles within numerous campus
organizations, serving as both an ISC Representative and an Urbana Champaign Campus Senator. These
responsibilities demand adept collaboration and negotiation skills to drive the passage of resolutions
and achieve collective objectives on behalf of the student body effectively.
Moreover, as the Vice Prior of Sigma Alpha Mu Rho Chapter, collaboration forms a fundamental aspect of my
role. Leading committees and streamlining collaboration became pivotal, especially in re-establishing our
organization's foundation. I took the lead and worked with the other leadership to architect a committee
structure from scratch, enabling seamless interaction among committees, fostering a coherent exchange of
ideas, and enhancing overall collaboration and transparency within the organization.
Through these diverse experiences, as well as in class group projects I've honed the ability to foster
collaborative environments, manage multifaceted teams, and cultivate synergistic relationships. I firmly
believe that effective collaboration is not just about teamwork but also about cultivating an environment
where diverse perspectives converge to achieve collective success. These skills I have worked to develop
through my academic and personal endeavors will transfer over to my professional career and allow me to
be an effective leader managing and working within diverse teams.
Embarking on my social media journey, I never imagined the profound impact it would have on my life and my relationship with technology. From the early days of gaming incentives to professional networking on platforms like LinkedIn, this autobiography delves into how social media and technology has molded my growth and aspirations.
My venture into the world of social media began when I first downloaded Facebook during fifth-grade,
initially driven by the desire to unlock keys in Subway Surfers and gain advantages in other games. However,
my true social media journey didn't truly take off until I added Snapchat to my repertoire in 2015, followed
by Twitter in 2016, and Reddit in 2017. These platforms opened
the doors to the vast
landscape of social media, leading to a transformative experience.
While my Snapchat activity remained fairly minimal, just for communicating with friends, I became an
enthusiastic Twitter (𝕏) user with over 9,000 tweets, forging connections with individuals of all ages from
around the globe. These
interactions became the cornerstone of my digital journey.
Our shared passion for iOS tweaking and sideloading became the glue to forge the bonds between us. We
collectively delved deeper into our interests, facilitating mutual learning and growth. I had the
privilege of engaging in conversations with the developers behind products I frequently used, and we even
collaborated on innovative projects. Even now when I delve back into the community often the software I
am using is developed by friends who I worked and learned with in middle and high school.
One example of this collaboration was my involvement with a developer from an iOS theming and sideloading
platform. As a seventh grader, I seized the opportunity to work alongside this developer on many
projects. This experience was not an isolated incident; I maintained a continuous dialogue to this day
with individuals online, collaborating to create novel technologies, such as iOS restriction bypasses,
mobile device management (MDM) bypasses, jailbreak
widgets,
websites, and many other projects.
While navigating the realm of technology, I remained aware of the potential dangers that lurked
within the vast expanse of the internet and social media. However, I also recognized the many benefits
that these platforms offered, from expanding my knowledge and skill set to forging meaningful connections
with like-minded individuals across the globe. My experience with social media has fueled my passion for
technology, creating an ideal setting for continuous learning and growth.
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Navigating the digital landscape, however, wasn't without its challenges. My journey through social media
also revealed the double-edged sword of technology addiction. I found myself increasingly reliant on
these platforms for both entertainment and communication, often spending more time than I intended
scrolling through endless feeds on many different platforms including Twitter (𝕏), TikTok, and Reddit. It's a predicament that many
of us share in this technology-driven age. While I think I could easily survive without social media
surviving without technonlogy is a whole other beast and would be extremely difficult. I believe this is
because I am addicted to consuming the informative and entertaining content that technology and social
media helps people share. However, I am not addicted to any specific social media medium upon which it is
shared.
Interestingly, even Subway Surfers, the game that initially led me into the world of social media back
when I was in fifth-grade, has
remained a constant presence. Nowadays, I often come across split-screen TikTok videos, with entertaining
content on the top and addictive games like Subway Surfers running at the bottom. It serves as a vivid
illustration of how technology, by constantly stimulating our senses with more and more content, has
shortened our attention spans. I, like many others, find it irresistible, continuing to watch and engage
with this captivating fusion of entertainment and technology for hours on end.
As I look ahead, my aspirations within the realm of social media expand beyond personal use. I am beginning
to leveraging platforms like LinkedIn to
establish a robust professional presence, forging connections, and
sharing insights in the ever-evolving tech and business landscapes. I have also used more niche social media
platforms to help me grow in my proffesional intrests. For example, I used Stocktwits to communicate with others and learn more about stock
trading and investing.
Over the past summer, I had the opportunity to work at a body shop specializing in electric vehicles
undergoing expansion and transformation. Amidst these changes, it became evident that the business needed
enhanced efficiency. To address this, I took the initiative to develop a new website and implement a system for managing their parts
inventory by scanning Tesla part QR codes, significantly improving organization and workflow. This hands-on
experience reinforced my
determination to harness the power of technology including artificial intelligence and automation in my
future career. In my role at the shop I utilized social media such as Facebook and more niche platforms such
asTesla Motors Club to
help bring in more customers. Whether I find myself in the realm of digital consulting or within a
technology-focused business role, my goal remains consistent: streamlining workflows and enhancing
efficiency through cutting-edge tools and processes.
This commitment to the seamless integration of technology harmonizes perfectly with my recent summer job,
which immersed me in a technology-centric environment. It further solidified my resolve to make technology
an indispensable facet of my future career journey, bridging the gap between my passions and professional
pursuits.
Social media platforms perpetually witness shifting trends, notably in the dynamic preferences among users and the platforms' responses to these shifts. The emergence of new platforms with unique features often prompts a migration of users seeking better alignment with their preferences. This user-driven movement stimulates healthy competition, compelling established platforms to innovate and integrate new features, ultimately enhancing the overall social media landscape.
An encouraging trend is the growing emphasis on authenticity. Individuals now prioritize showcasing genuine aspects of their lives, fostering transparent and relatable connections that challenge the unrealistic standards set by filtered content. Moreover, the drive for identity verification, particularly in professional networks like LinkedIn, enhances credibility and trust. Yet, concerns arise regarding government-mandated identity verification. While bolstering security is essential, it's crucial to navigate this terrain cautiously to avoid encroachments on fundamental rights such as free speech and privacy.
The pervasive 'always-on' culture, blurring personal and professional boundaries, poses significant risks to mental health and productivity, demanding a delicate balance between engagement and well-being. Recognizing these dynamics, it's essential to celebrate the positive shifts towards authenticity while advocating for responsible measures that safeguard individual rights and well-being in the evolving social media landscape.
Social media has significantly helped me in my academic and professional life. I have learned many things from many topics, including investing, history, coding, management, and real estate through social media. As stated in my social media autobiography, social media has had a profound impact on my life, and without it, I would not be the same person. While many other people use social media just to showcase themselves, I use it to learn about many topics from people across the globe. Over just this past year, I used social media for my job to let Tesla and Rivian owners in Chicago know that Richards Body Shop is one of the few shops in Chicago certified to fix their vehicles, finding us many new customers. I also use social media to showcase my own professional portfolio to potential employers and other business connections through LinkedIn. I anticipacte that this usage will continue throughout my career and professional life.
Looking ahead, my approach to social media post-graduation centers on continued learning, strategic networking, and adaptable engagement. Over the next 3-5 years, I anticipate leveraging social media as a perpetual learning tool, exploring new subjects and industry developments. Additionally, fostering meaningful connections within professional circles remains a priority. However, I'm mindful of the potential evolution of platforms and trends; hence, I plan to remain adaptable, ready to pivot strategies to align with the changing landscape.
Balancing this engagement, I emphasize maintaining boundaries between personal and professional spheres. While utilizing social media for networking and professional growth, I recognize the importance of safeguarding mental well-being and preventing the encroachment of an 'always-on' culture.
In this ever-evolving social media space, I envision remaining open to the evolution of platforms and their features, my goal is to navigate these spaces thoughtfully, harnessing the positive aspects while mitigating the potential downsides.
Ultimately, my future social media strategy revolves around continual learning, strategic networking, adaptability to change, and a conscientious approach that prioritizes authenticity and well-being within the professional sphere.
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LinkedIn, a prominent social media platform tailored for professionals and now owned by Microsoft, stands as a vital hub for forging valuable business connections and fostering professional networking. This report comprehensively analyzes LinkedIn's main elements: the home, my network, profiles, and job pages. The rationale behind this examination lies in LinkedIn's increasing significance within the professional landscape, as it serves as a powerful catalyst for expanding one's professional network and facilitating career opportunities. In this report, we will delve into the specific mechanisms by which these elements operate, shedding light on the ways in which LinkedIn empowers individuals in their pursuit of professional growth and success.
LinkedIn has evolved into a dynamic platform that plays a pivotal role in the lives of professionals worldwide. With over 700 million users, it has transformed from a simple online resume repository to a bustling hub for networking, knowledge sharing, and career advancement. The design and features of LinkedIn have been carefully crafted to meet the ever-evolving needs of its diverse user base. In this comprehensive analysis, we will explore how LinkedIn's homepage, My Network, profiles, and jobs pages are designed to empower users and how user behavior influences the platform's features.
The LinkedIn homepage serves as the medium and the platform's central hub, where users engage with a tailored feed of professional updates, news, and content shared by their connections and relevant industry sources. It provides a dynamic space for users to stay informed about industry trends, connect with peers, and share their own professional insights and accomplishments, thus fostering a sense of community and knowledge exchange.
LinkedIn's homepage is strategically designed with a clean and uncluttered layout. It typically features a user's profile picture and headline prominently at the top left corner, reinforcing their personal brand identity. Below, a central feed displays updates, articles, and job postings in a visually appealing and easily scrollable format, encouraging users to engage with content efficiently. This design keeps users engaged by placing relevant and eye-catching updates in a prominent position, facilitating easy access to industry insights and fostering connections.
Medium, ContentLinkedIn's My Network page serves as a virtual Rolodex, allowing users to manage and expand their professional connections. This feature enables users to discover and connect with colleagues, industry professionals, and potential collaborators, enhancing their networking capabilities and opening doors to new career opportunities.
The My Network page is structured to optimize connection management. It features a streamlined search bar at the top, encouraging users to discover new contacts. Suggested connections are presented in a grid format with profile pictures, allowing for quick visual assessment and connection requests. This design promotes ease of use and efficiency in building and maintaining one's professional network by helping users quickly identify potential connections.
MediumLinkedIn profiles are digital resumes that offer a comprehensive overview of an individual's professional background, skills, and achievements. They are a vital tool for personal branding, allowing users to showcase their expertise, establish credibility, and make a lasting impression on potential employers, clients, and professional contacts.
LinkedIn's profile pages are meticulously crafted to emphasize professional credentials. Key
details such as the user's name, headline, and profile picture are displayed prominently at the
top, while the "About" section and work experiences are presented in a structured, easy-to-read
format. The use of visual elements like profile banners and featured media enhances the visual
appeal of the page, enabling users to showcase their personality and expertise effectively. The
layout and customizability of users’ profile pages help them to make a strong impression while
encouraging visitors to explore an individual's professional background in depth.
One feature allows users to endorse skills on another user's profile. This is a direct response
to user behavior where professionals often seek recognition for their skills and expertise, and
endorsements allow them to showcase these attributes effectively. This feature enhances the
credibility of LinkedIn profiles and aligns with users' desire to establish themselves as
experts in their respective fields. Another notable response to the target audience is the
introduction of the "Open to Work" badge in response to challenges faced by job seekers during
the COVID-19 pandemic. It allowed users to signal their job-seeking status, providing both job
seekers and recruiters with a more efficient way to connect. This timely addition demonstrates
LinkedIn's commitment to addressing its audience’s unique circumstances and needs.
LinkedIn's Jobs page serves as a robust platform for job seekers and employers alike, facilitating the connection between talent and opportunity. Users can search for, apply to, and even receive personalized job recommendations based on their profiles and career preferences, making it an invaluable resource for career advancement and recruitment efforts.
LinkedIn's Jobs page is designed to make job searching and application straightforward. A
prominent search bar at the top allows users to filter job listings based on keywords, location,
and other criteria. Each job listing is presented in a card-like format, displaying the job
title, company logo, location, and a concise job description, making it visually appealing and
easy for users to scan and evaluate potential opportunities. This design streamlines the
job-seeking process, helping users easily find and apply for relevant positions.
One suggestion I have to improve the job searching experience is to enhance the job
recommendation algorithm. I very rarely see job recommendations on LinkedIn that interest me.
While the current system offers job suggestions based on user profiles and preferences,
incorporating more advanced machine-learning techniques would provide more accurate and
personalized job matches. This would streamline the job search process and help users discover
opportunities that align closely with their career goals.
LinkedIn Premium is a paid feature of the platform that is advertised throughout the app. It is a large part of their revenue source. There are four different plans: Business, Career, Sales Navigator Core, and Recruiter Lite, which are meticulously targeted toward specific audiences with different goals, prices, and features. According to a 2020 study by Jobvite, 72% of recruiters are active on LinkedIn, and 67% say that LinkedIn provides the highest quality candidates. Due to this, it may be a great investment for many recruiters and people looking for job opportunities. For those looking for jobs, a Career Premium Account is best, which costs $29.99 a month. With this subscription, you get a premium badge on your profile, your job applications sit above other users, you can see a full list of who looks at your profile, InMail access, advanced search filters, and more.
Personally, I began using LinkedIn and building out my profile during my freshman year of college. To me, LinkedIn served as my resume in the digital age. I uploaded all my work and extracurricular experiences along with my education, skills, projects, languages, and honors to help potential employers or business connections learn more about me. Over my first two years of college, my LinkedIn developed extensively as I obtained more experience and connections. I also began creating professional posts to demonstrate my knowledge and what I am currently working on. I also began taking LinkedIn skills assessments in skills such as Search Engine Optimization (SEO), IT Operations, Google Analytics, Microsoft Outlook, Front-End Development, and more. These skills assessments made by LinkedIn are a great feature that allows users to demonstrate their knowledge in different areas to their employers.
In conclusion, this comprehensive analysis of LinkedIn's design and user impact underscores the platform's pivotal role in both the business and professional landscapes. LinkedIn operates as an empowering medium, enabling individuals to not only broaden their professional networks and showcase their expertise but also to pursue diverse career opportunities. The seamless interaction between the platform and its users is evident in the strategic incorporation of user-friendly interfaces, facilitating a smooth, natural, and intuitive experience. This synergy between LinkedIn and its user base is particularly apparent in the successful integration of features such as endorsements, the "Open to Work" badge, and skills assessments, all of which resonate deeply with the platform's target audience and its dynamic user community. Moreover, LinkedIn's adept designers have exhibited a profound understanding of their target audience's distinct needs, as evidenced by the implementation of responsive features, thereby enhancing the platform’s overall usability and relevance within the constantly evolving professional sphere. As the platform continues to evolve, there exists a promising opportunity for LinkedIn to further enhance its user experience by refining its job recommendation algorithm, thereby further solidifying its commitment to fostering meaningful connections and facilitating career advancements. Through its user-centric design, seamlessly navigable interface, and commitment to its target audience and their needs, LinkedIn remains committed to its mission of providing a comprehensive professional ecosystem that caters to the diverse needs of individuals worldwide.